Department of Politics & Government

Introduction to the Department

Ohio Wesleyan offered its first course in political science in 1845, three years after the University was founded, and established its Department of Politics and Government in 1917. Since then, the department has emphasized the practice of politics, paying close attention to the actual workings of today’s political institutions.

2020 OWU Mock ConventionGraduates of the department are working in a wide range of federal, state, and local government positions; with international organizations; as attorneys; with special interest groups on a national scale; in education; and more.

Department Features

  • The Arneson Institute for Practical Politics and Public Affairs helps you learn more about political life through internships and independent study. In recent years, OWU students have worked with legislators, law firms and courts, public interest groups, and political campaigns.
  • The Mock Convention, an OWU tradition dating to 1884, is held during presidential elections years. During the convention, you’ll learn about the fundamentals of one of the most intriguing U.S. political events--the presidential nominating convention. You’ll also learn about candidates and key issues in the upcoming election.

Available Majors

Politics & Government

You’ll study the structure and policies of governments, the concepts upon which governments are founded, and the actions of citizens in the United States and around the world. Among the required courses, you’ll select at least one from each of five areas: American public affairs; political behavior; international affairs; comparative politics and government; and political theory.

Politics & Government Major

Pre-Law Studies

Law schools don’t require one specific major. Instead, they seek evidence of a rich, liberal arts education. They expect you to have strong skills in three major areas: comprehension and expression in words; critical understanding of the human institutions and values with which the law deals; and creative power in thinking. Ohio Wesleyan helps prepare you in all of these areas.

Pre-Law Studies Major

International Studies

You’ll learn to better understand and participate in our increasingly complex global society. Based on your interests, you’ll be able to concentrate on general international studies or particular areas of the world. For an international studies major, you’ll need some proficiency in a foreign language, and you’re strongly encouraged to spend a semester studying or interning abroad.

International Studies Major

Available Minors

Politics & Government Minor

Requirements

Complete five courses in the department consisting of either PG 110 or PG 111, but not both, and one course from four of these five areas: American public affairs, political behavior, international affairs, comparative politics and government, and political theory. One of these four must be in the area of political theory. You may take Conduct of Political Inquiry, PG 279, to fulfill the political behavior area to earn your minor.

International Studies Minor

Requirements

Three units are specified: ECON370 or ECON 372; PG360; HIST380 or PG361. Three elective units are chosen, one unit each from three of the following four areas: AREA 1 - ECON353, ECON357, ECON370 or ECON 372 (if ECON 370 taken as core); AREA 2 - History courses HIST 320, 323, 324, 325, 331, 332, 333, 352, 354, 356, 357, 360, 362, 377, 378, 381; AREA 3, PG courses 364, 344, 346, 348, 349, 361, 362, 365; AREA 4 - SOAN courses 291, 292, 293, 294, 347, 354, 360, 367, Geography courses GEOG 330, 333, 334, 345, 370, 400.1.
NOTE: One unit beyond the level of 111 is required in world languages & cultures. Students' courses should be complementary and approved in advance by the INTS Committee.

Meet Our People

OWU is people. Brilliant, engaging, passionate, friendly, genuine people. Meet some of them here.

Brianna Mack

Assistant Professor of Politics & Government

Professor Mack's research focuses on the political behavior of racial and ethnic minorities, particularly how one’s identity influences their political attitudes.

Franchesca Nestor

Assistant Professor of Politics & Government

Professor Nestor's research interests focus on public opinion and racial and ethnic representation.

James Franklin

Professor of Politics & Government

Professor Franklin serves as department chair. He is pursuing a research project examining the causes and consequences of democratic revolutions around the world. 

Ashley Biser

Associate Professor of Politics & Government

Professor Biser says, “I have a deep-seated belief that people should get to make decisions—good decisions—about their lives in the most democratic way possible.” Her research centers on contemporary political theory, focusing on the works of Hannah Arendt and Martin Heidegger.

Michael Esler

Professor of Politics & Government

Professor Esler is director of the Arneson Institute for Practical Politics & Public Affairs, advisor of the Pre-Law Studies program, co-advisor for the Pre-Law Club, and coach of the Moot Court team.

Elliott Hall

The Politics & Government Department is housed in Elliott Hall. Built in 1833, it is the original home of Ohio Wesleyan University.

Mock Convention

Ohio Wesleyan students nominate a ticket for president and vice president and set the party platform during OWU’s Mock Convention, held every four years. The convention is an Ohio Wesleyan tradition that dates back to 1884. In 2020 OWU nominated Elizabeth Warren for president and Stacey Abrams for vice president. In this photo, Dylan Hays submits the nominating form for Warren.

Wesleyan in Washington

The Wesleyan in Washington Program is an intensive, full-time internship experience. The program matches you with internship placements that precisely reflect your interests and professional goals. Tom Dolan '18, above, interned with Colorado Senator Cory Gardner and then was hired as a staff assistant in the Senate.

Department Contact Info

Location

Elliott Hall 205
Ohio Wesleyan University
Delaware, OH 43015
P 740-368-3780
F 740-368-3644

Department Contact

Department Chair: James Franklin
Professor of Politics and Government
Elliott Hall 308
740-368-3934
jcfrankl@owu.edu

Academic Assistant: Dawn Wright
Elliott Hall 110
740-368-3631
dmwright@owu.edu